Compartmented container



A. J. DETRIE ET AL 2,916,97

COMPARTMENTED CONTAINER Dec. 8, 1959 2 Sheets-Shea?l l Dec. 8, 1959 A.J. DETRIE ETAL COMPARTMENTED CONTAINER Filed May 6, 1957 2Sl'xee'cs-Slwe'rl 2 BY/ Y United States Patent() COMPARTMENTED CONTAINERArthur J. Detrie, Ruston, La., and Daniel J. Lingenfelter, Glendale,Eugene J. ONeil, Canoga Park, and Paul J'. fStayboldt and Edgar P.Troeger, Los Angeles, Calif., assignors to Douglas Aircraft Company,Inc., Santa Monca, Calif.

Application May 6, 1957,'Serial No. 657,332

Claims. (Cl. 229--56) This invention vrelates to containers and lmoreparticularly to compartmented containers for segregating variousmaterials which may be readily combined before use without ldanger ofcontamination, change in proportions or, in the case of reactants,premature mixing.

The container of the present invention in the broadest aspects thereofconsists of a flexible film envelope divided into a plurality ofcompartments by a rupturable divider or separable fastener either ofwhich acting as a barrier will adequately separate such ingredients assolid, paste, liquid and powdered materials. The exterior of thecontainer adjacent the divider or fastener is provided with tabs orwings which may be gripped to facilitate rupturing or separating thebarrier which divides the container into Vplural compartments when it isdesired to bring together and mixthe contents of the variouscompartments.

Realization of the extensive utility of a compartmented container fordistribution of single charges or doses has caused certainrindustriesinterested in such distribution to actively search for such an envelopeor package. Pre requisites of such a container, lacking in thoseheretofore proposed, vare `that `it be capable of reliably keepingpremeasured ingredients separate, and that it be provided with means forinsuring a positive and simple removalof the separating medium justprior to the use of the ingredients. Such a package insures that theseveral ingredient substances are combined in proper proportion yandquantityI without the user having to trouble to measure lthe portions'of `a'mixture and even without his needing -to know what lthesubstances or their proportions are.

The Vpresent invention `eliminates many 'problems connected with storagesuch as the presence of multiple containers -requiring coordination.Aside from eld applications it eliminates deterioration of stocks due torepeated opening of containers and also avoids the necessity forrefrigeration'of a mixed sealant.

The necessity of Weighing scales with the attendant problems of trainedoperators `to properly measure out ingredients is also obviated. Readyavailability is also present for ingredients can be `rnixed ready foruse in a few minutes time.

Such a multiple part package is particularly desirable in fthe aircraftindustryfor use with such materials as sealants, adhesives and pottingcompounds. In field opverations it is 'essential that such materials becarried to remote `spots vand that the application be reliably andexpeditiously completed. For example, a considerable degreeofsuccessthas been` achieved in industrial and el'dus'eofiepoxythermosetting plastic resins as insulating andsealing materials.Y

vVarious formulationsand typesof liquid and solid epoxy resins are nowused by manufacturers for encapsulating andin'sulating-manytypes ofcomponents and assemblies. As indicated, manytield yapplications alsoexistfinfwhich epoxy resins can be used to upgradev job qualityfan'dredu'ceco'st' through labor saving. The multipl'e rbagwcontainer oflthefp'resent `inventionvis well adapted to such eld use, for liquidepoxy resins require 2,916,197 Patented Dec. 8, 1959 ythe raddition andmixing in of a suitable hardener, or

catalyst, in order to react to the solid state. The compartmentedfield-use film package is rthus adapted to permit handling and mixing ofaccurately proportioned amounts of resin and hardener. By means of theexterior tabs or ears the separating barrier is ruptured, or, if thebarrier consists of the separable fastener, it is disengaged and mixingis accomplished by kneading the package with the hands until asatisfactory mixture is attained. One of the two components may containa dye as an indicator of uniform mixing. Mixing lis thus accomplished ina very short time without error or the requirement of yspecial skill.Pouring of the resin can then proceed immediately around whatevercomponent is 'to be insulated. Similar bags using sealant with apowdered accelerator have also been utilized successfully in `field use.

Suggestions heretofore made for storing separately ingredients to bemixed before using have not met Wide success because of theunreliability of the sealing medium, and the difficulty of providing amethod of quickly and positively communicating the various compartmentswithout danger of `rupturing the containers themselves. Thesedeficiencies have resulted from the fact that it was necessary torupture the frangible barrier separating the plural compartments in oneof two Ways. Normally the medium dividing the compartments was removedby plucking at the sides of the container and pulling until the vbarrierjoint failed. However, a second alternative has also been utilized;namely, squeezing one end vof 'the envelope, thus urging the contents ofone compartment pressurally against the barrier until the barrierruptured. These methods were available because the membrane or bondedjoint while supposedly sturdy enough to permit rough handling could beremoved by plucking or squeezing. The deficiencies heretofore presentbecome clear when it is realized, in either method of eliminating thedividing membrane, that the barrier had to be considerably weaker thanthe bag itself so as to avoid rupture of `the main container whensqueezing or plucking. In making the barrier Weak, the problemfrequently encountered was leakage through the division and consequentpremature mixing. The present invention obviates these deficiencies byutilizing means on the exterior of the container to facilitate barrierremoval, and also features a novel application of a separable fasteneras the sealing medium, thereby appreciably increasing strength againstleakage but permitting easy disengagement.

lThere is thus provided a container to hold materials of different kindsand types, and to retain them separately from each other so that theopportunity to combineahead of time will be avoided; yet the structureis such that a minor mechanical manipulation will bring all theingredients into contact with each other and made ready for use in theircombined form and easily taken from the container to be put to that use.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawing in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the container of the present invention;

Figure 2` is a sectional View taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

FigureS is a sectional view taken along the line 3 3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view similar tol-ligure 3 with the external tabs omittedshowing a modified form of the barrier which divides the container intoplural compartments;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing a' modilied form oftheexternal tabs;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modiied form of the presentinvention with portions broken away to more Y clearly indicate certaindetails;

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing another embodiment of thepresent invention; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the present inventionshowing the external tabs being gripped to exert a separating force onthe dividing barrier.

Referring now to the drawing and particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 3thereof, there is shown a bag or envelope 12 formed by uniting twoopposing sheet members 13 and 14 of thin exible material along twoperipheral edges 15 and 17. In these and other figures, the thickness ofthe sheets is exaggerated for clarity of illustration. Althoughpolyethylene is now preferred, the containerg12 may be of any flexiblesheet material found suitable for holding and protecting the particularsubstances which are to be enclosed. Polyethylene, as indicated, orcellophane and the like cellulosic sheets are especially useful, becausevarieties which are impervious to humidity are available. Material ofthis type which is thermoplastic can be had so that two plies of suchcan be sealed together by heat and pressure, constituting a welding ofthe material as shown at 15 and 17. If desired, crimping at the ends tostrengthen such a heat and pressure seal is also easily done. Relativelylong lengths of tubes of cellophane and the like material, are availablecommercially at low cost, being made by known machines. Such a tube ofgreat length can be cut successively to provide a multiplicity of thecontainer of Figure l. If such tubes are utilized it is apparent thatthe two opposing sheet members 13 and 14 will form one integral piecewith open ends 18 and 19. The welds 15 and 17 depicted in Figures l and2 would therefore be unnecessary.

In Figures 1 and 3 the container 12 has been subjected to heat andpressure along the path 20 to form a weld,

thereby making opposite sides 13 and 14 of the container 12 adheretogether strongly along this path and providing a separation of theinterior of the container into two compartments 22 and 23. Although inFigure 3, the barrier, separating compartments 22 and 23, is shown as aline of adhesion between sheet members 13 and 14, it will be understood,as shown in Figure 4, that the separating medium may consist of a pieceof material 21 the same as or similar to the typeused in the container12 which may be fastened as at 26 and 31, respectively, to the interiorsurfaces of opposing sheet members 13 and 14, respectively, by means ofa heat seal or otherwise, thus providing a membrane 21 dividing thecontainer 12 into a multiple part package. Although external tabs orears are omitted from the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4,it is understood that tabs similar to those depicted in either Figure 3or Figure 5 are to be used in conjunction with the membrane 21.

As shown in Figure 3, fastened to the exterior walls 24 and 25,respectively, of sheet members 13 and 14, respectively, adjacent theweld 20 are two tabs or ears 27 and 28. These tabs are shown as elongategenerally rectangular wings joined to the container 12 at 29 and 30. Thetabs 27 and 28 may be composed of any relatively thin flexible materialand may be joined to the container 12 by any suitable attaching orbonding means. Applicants now prefer to make the tabs of polyethyleneand to secure them to the container by the heat and pressure sealpreviously described and shown at 15 and 17 in Figures 1 and 2. Ifdesired the tabs may be placed in position pr1or to forming the weldpath 20` and one application of heat and pressure will cause sheetmembers 13 and 14 to adhere together and will also rmly amx the tabs tothe exterior sides 24 and 25 in the correct position to be utilized ashereinafter set forth.

However it is preferable to fasten the container together along the weld20 and then to fasten the tabs 27 and 28 to the container 12, in amanner which will assure armer bond along the jointure lines 29 and 30than that existing along the weld line 20. In Figures 1 and 3 thejointure lines 29 and 30, respectively, of the wings 27 and 28,respectively, are shown offset to one side of the jointure line 20 whichdivides the container 12 into separate compartments. This assures thatif a heat weld is used it will be possible to apply heat and pressure ina manner to secure a weld of greater strength at 29 and G0 than at 20.This can of course, also be accomplished by utilizing a differentadhesion or attachment method when securing the tabs than that used tofasten the sides of the container together along the path 20. It isimportant that, when the tabs are pulled, the exerting force will nottear them loose from the container but rather that the separatingbarrier will be removed to permit the containers ingredients to beintermixed.

As shown more clearly in Figures 6 and 9, the line of jointure 32 of tab33 extends the full width of the vcontainer 34 and the jointure line isplaced intermediate the free ends 35 iand 37 which can be gripped toexert the rupturing force. In Figures 6 and 9 the two ends 38 and 39 ofthe tab 33 are also ailixed to the container 34. This insures that thetabs are held close to the container, thereby avoiding the possibilityof an inadvertent rupture lyet permitting the free edges 35 and 37 to begripped when it is desired to intercommunicate the two parts 40 and 42of the container 34. Such Iadditional attachment also helps to assurethe necessary bond between the tabs and the container.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 5 the freeends of the tabs are shown as terminating in thickened portions 43 and44 to permit a firmer grip by the user. The terminal portion may beformed by doubling the ends of `the tab over and applying heat andpressure or by any other suitable means.

In'the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 6 and 7 thebarrier between the two compartments is provided by a separablefastener. The fastener comprises two identical strips 48 and 49 formedof a resilient material which may be molded or extruded into the desiredfinished shapes. Each strip 48 and 49 comprises a plane web portion 50and 52, respectively, and a thickened marginal portion 53 and 54,respectively. Each of said thickened marginal portions is provided withparallel grooves, or channels 55 and 56, and 58 and 59 respectively, andwith parallel ridges, or projections, 61 and 62 and 64 and 65,respectively. The channels 55 and 56 in the marginal portion 53correspond with the ridges 64 and 65 in the marginal portion 54 and viceversa. The depth and height axis of said channels and ridges areperpendicular to the plane of their respective web portions 48 and 49.The separable fastener is more fully shown and described in UnitedStates Patent No. 2,558,367 and United States Patent No. 2,637,085 bothissued in the name of Borge Madsen.

The two strips 48 and 49 respectively are fastened by a heat seal orother bonding means to the interior of the container 34 as shown at 66and 68 respectively in Figures 6 and 7. The external tabs are the sameconfiguration as previously described. It has been found that itfacilitates disengagement of the zipper or separable fastener when thetabs and strips 48 and 49 are positioned as shown in Figure 8 whichpermits the user to in effect u'nroll the interlocking grooves andridges by exerting a force on the tabs outwardly and in a directionalong the length of the container thereby in effect causing each zipperportion 48 and 49, respectively, to release by pivoting about itsline ofconnection 66 and 68 respectively rto the container.

The container of Figure 1 is ready for its compartments to be filled andsealed in succession. Either compartment may receive its contents rstthrough open end 18 or 19. The end is then closed by being sealedtightly by any suitable means. The other compartment is then filled andvits end similarly sealed. A heat seal, adhesive gum, or stitching canbeused if preferred.

The compartments may equal or vary from each other in capacity, Aasdesired. When it is 'desired to combine and use the ingredientsubstances the exterior tabs are gripped as shown in Figure 9. If thebarrier is composed of a heat seal or membrane as previously describedthe exerting force is normal to the container and applied by pulling inopposite directions on the tabs. As hereinabove pointed out, theindirect methods of rupturing the separatingbarrier in previouscontainers necessitated a barrier considerably weaker than the bagitself to insure that the barrier rather than the'main container wouldrupture when the previously described squeezing or plucking techniqueswere utilized. Such a weakened barrier frequently resulted in leakagethrough the division and consequent premature mixing. Because of thepositive separating actionV provided by the tabs or ears attached to theexterior walls of sheet members 13 and 14, it is possibleto provide abarrier, such as the membrane Z1, which is substantially stronger,relative to the strengthof the materialforming `the sheet members 13 and14, than practicable in previous containers, thus eliminating thebarrier leakage problem previously encountered.y If the barrier iscomposed of the separable fastener of Figures 6 and 7 it has been foundto be easily disengaged by gripping the external tabs and sliding 'theinterlocking portions of the zipper in'opposite lateral directions. If

the embodiment used is that Vpictured in Figure 8 they unfoldingoperation previously described is utilized.

With the barrier removed mixing 'is accomplished by kneading the packagewith the hands until the desired mixing is obtained. The ingredients arethen dispensed directly from the package after a'corner has been cutaway.

Although the now preferred embodiments of theA present invention havebeen shown and described herein, it is to be understood that theinvention is not to be limited thereto,` for it is susceptible tochanges in form and detailwithin the scope'of the appended claims.

' We claim:

1. A compartmented container comprising: two mutually overlyinggenerally rectangular sheets of thin flexible material united at twoopposite peripheral edges and adapted to be united at the'two otheropposite edges; internal dividing "means secured to the interior wallof'said sheets`dividing said container into a plurality 'ofcompartments; said dividing means being formed of a resilient materialand consisting of two mating members with opposed interlocking channelsand grooves adapted to be forced together into an interlocked positionto form a dividing barrier between said plurality of compartments, oneofV saidl members being secured tothe interiorsurface of one ofl saidsheets along a trans'- verse jointure line and the other said `memb`erbeing secured to the interior surface of the other said sheet alonganother transversejointure line, both of said join- Plines being legate@smartsite Qn@ another on the same side of the barrier formed when saidchannels and grooves are in said interlocked position; and separatingmeans fastened to the exterior sides of said sheets adjacent saidinternal dividing means, said separating means being formed as elongategenerally rectangular strips of thin flexible material fastened at oneportion to the said exterior sides and at least one portion of saidstrips remaining free to be gripped.

2. A compartmented container for packaging two or more componentsseparately comprising: two mutually overlying sheets of thin flexiblematerial united at their peripheral edges and separated into a pluralityof compartments by internal dividing means; one of said components ineach of said compartments; said dividing means being formed of aresilient material with interlocking channels and grooves; andseparating means fastened to the exteriorsides `of said overlying sheetsadjacent said internal dividing means, said' separatingmeans beingformed as :thin elongate strips of thin flexible material fastened atone portion to the said exterior sides and at least one portion of saidstrips remaining fr'ee to be gripped.

3. A compartmented container for packaging twol or more componentsseparately comprising: two mutually overlying generally rectangularsheets of thin exible material united'peripherally; internal dividingmeans "secured to the interior wall of said sheets dividing saidcontainer intoa plurality of compartments; one of said cornponents in`Veach of said compartments; said'dividing means being formed of aresilient material and consist= ing'of two mating members with opposedinterlocking channels and grooves adapted to be forced togethei into aninterlocked position to form a dividing barrier between said pluralityof compartments, one of said'members being secured to the interiorsurface of one of s'aid sheetsalong a transverse jointure lineand theother said member being secured to the interior 'surface of the othersaid sheet along another transverse jointure line, both'of said jointurelines being located opposite vone another ou the same side of thebarrier formed when said channels and grooves are in said interlockedposition; and separating means fastened to the exterior sides `of'saidsheets adjacent s'aid internal'dividing means, said separating meansbeing formed as elongatev generallyrectangular strips of thin flexiblematerial fastened at one portion to the said exterior sides and `atleast one portion of said strips remaining free to be gripped.

4. A` compartmented containerv comprising: two mutually overlyinggenerally rectangular sheets of thin liex-` ible material united at twoopposite peripheral edges and adapted to be united at the two`otheropposite edges; internal dividing mAeans Secured to the' interior wallof said sheets dividing said container into a plurality of compartments;said dividing means being formed of a resilient material and consistingof two mating 'members with` opposed interlocking channels and groovesadapted to' be forced together 'into an interlocked position' to form adividing barrier between said plurality of 'compartments, one of saidmembers being secured`to the interior surface of one of said sheetsalong a transverse jointure line and the other said member being securedto the interior surface of the other said sheet along anothertransverse. jointure line, said jointure lines being located. onopposite sides of the barrier formed when said channels and grooves arein said interlocked position; and separating means fastened to theexterior sides of said' sheets adjacent the respectivey jointure linesyof said two mating members, said separating means being formed aselongate generally rectangular strips of thin exible material fastenedat one portion top the said exterior, sides and at least one portion ofsaid strips remaining free,

and 'adapted fg bef uilitat 'ih lWO otheropposite edges;

internalbdividing means secured to the interior walls of said sheetsdividing said container into a plurality of compartments; said dividingmeans being formed of a resilient material and consisting of two matingmembers with opposed interlocking channels and grooves adapted to beforced together into an interlocked position to form a dividing barrierbetween said plurality of compartments, one of said members beingsecured to the interior surface of one of said sheets along a transversejointure line and the other said member being secured to the interiorsurface of the other said sheet along another transverse jointure line,said jointure lines being located on opposite sides of the barrierformed when said channels and grooves are in said interlocked position;separating means fastened to the exterior sides of said sheets adjacentthe respective jointure lines of said two mating members, saidseparating means being formed as elongate generally rectangular stripsof thin flexible material fastened at one portion to the said exteriorsides and at least one portion of said strips remaining free to begripped; and said strips having edge ridges along a thin portion tofacilitate gripping to exert a transverse sliding separating force onsaid internal dividing means.

6. A compartmented container comprising: two mutually overlying sheetsof thin flexible material united peripherally along two opposite edgesand adapted to be united along two other opposite edges and separatedinto a plurality of compartments by internal dividing means; saiddividing means being formed of a resilient material with interlockingchannels and grooves; and separating means fastened to the exteriorsides of said overlying sheets adjacent said internal dividing means,said separating means being formed as thin elongate strips of thinflexible material fastened at one portion to the said exterior sides andat least one portion of said strips remaining free to be gripped.

7. A compartmented container for packaging two or more componentsseparately comprising: two mutually overlying generally rectangularsheets of thin flexible material united peripherally; internal dividingmeans secured to the interior wall of said sheets dividing saidcontainer into a plurality of compartments; one of said components ineach of said compartments; said dividing means being formed of aresilient material and consisting of two mating members with opposedinterlocking channels and grooves adapted to -be forced together into aninterlocked position to form a dividing barrier between said pluralityof compartments, one of said members being secured to the interiorsurface of one of said sheets along a transverse jointure line and theother said member being secured to the interior surface of the othersaid sheet along another transverse jointure line, said jointure linesbeing located on opposite sides of the barrier formed when said channelsand grooves are in said interlocked position; and separating meansfastened to the exterior sides of said sheets adjacent the respectivejointure lines of said two mating members, said separating means beingformed as elongate generally rect-angular strips of thin flexiblematerial fastened at one portion to the said exterior sides and at leastone portion of said strips remaining free to be gripped.

8. A compartmented container for storing two or more componentsseparately comprising: two mutually overlying sheets of thin flexiblematerial united at their peripheral edges and separated into a pluralityof compartments by internal dividing means; one of said components 'ineach of said compartments; said dividing means being formed of aresilient material with interlocking channels and grooves; andseparating means fastened to the exterior sides of said overlying sheetsadjacent said internal dividing means, said separating means beingformed as elongate rectangular strips of thin exible material fastenedtransversely along their center portion to the said exterior sides andbeing fastened at opposite longitudinal ends to said exterior sides, thetwo remaining free ends each being formed with a thin portion and arelatively thicker portion to facilitate gripping to exert a releasingforce on said internal dividing means.

9. A compartmented container for packaging two or more componentsseparately comprising: two mutually overlying generally rectangularsheets of thin flexible material united peripherally; internal dividingmeans secured to the interior walls of said sheets dividing saidcontainer into a plurality of compartments; one of said components ineach of said compartments; said dividing means -being formed of aresilient material and consisting of two mating members with opposedinterlocking channels and grooves adapted to be forced together into aninterlocked position to form a dividing barrier between said pluralityof compartments, one of said members being secured to the interiorsurface of one of said sheets along a transverse jointure line and theother said member being secured to the interior surface of the othersaid sheet along another transverse jointure line, said jointure linesbeing located on opposite sides of the barrier formed when said channelsand grooves are in said interlocked position; separating means fastenedto the exterior sides of said sheets adjacent the respective jointurelines of said two mating members, said separating means being formed aselongate generally rectangular strips of thin flexible material fastenedat one portion to the said exterior sides and at least one portion ofsaid strips remaining free to be gripped; and said strips having edgeridges along a thin portion to facilitate gripping to exert a transversesliding separating force on said internal dividing means.

10. A compartmented container comprising: two mutually overlying sheetsof thin flexible material united at two opposite peripheral edges andadapted to be united at the two other opposite edges and separated intoa plurality of compartments by internal dividing means; said dividingmeans being formed of a resilient material with interlocking channelsand grooves; and separating means fastened lto the exterior sides ofsaid overlying sheets adjacent said internal dividing means, saidseparating means lbeing formed as elongate rectangular strips of thinllexible material fastened transversely along their center portion tothe said exterior sides and being fastened at opposite longitudinal endsto said exterior sides, the two remaining free ends each being formedwith a thin portion and a relatively thicker portion to facilitategripping to exert a releasing force on said internal dividing means.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,245,738 Taylor June 17, 1941 2,558,367 Madsen .Tune 26, 1951 2,676,702Whitefoot Apr. 27, 1954 2,756,874 Erickson et al. July 31, 19562,756,875 Yochim July 31, 1956 2,771,724 Hosier et al. Nov. 27, 1956

